Social Work program seeking national accreditation

Since its inception three years ago, the social work program at Winston-Salem State has been seeking its accreditation.

The program began in fall 2007, and the faculty started to work toward the Social Work program's accreditation with the Council on Social Work Education.

Isaiah Marshall Jr., associate professor and program coordinator of social work, said that in the first year, the faculty created new courses, drafted program policies, developed the curriculum, established a community advisory board, and recruited field sites for student practicum.

CSWE is a nonprofit national association representing graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work. 

CSWE's Commission on Accreditation sets the accreditation standards that defines preparation and makes sure that they are met by the programs.

There are three full-time faculty and nine adjuncts in the social work program.

Four professors are licensed; two are licensed clinical social workers and two are licensed graduate social workers.

Licensed clinical social workers have a master's degree in social work and are trained in psychotherapy.  

Licensed graduate social workers are state licensed and have completed 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

The social work accreditation process takes three to four years and includes three site visits, self-studies and a full accreditation visit.

Marshall said that in 2009 the program was granted candidacy by CSWE, which is the first step toward the initial accreditation process. And the program is expecting a second site visit.

 Although the social work program is not accredited, social work majors are eligible for positions that require a human service or a social work degree. WSSU's accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools covers all majors.   

"After graduation students can either pursue a graduate [degree],  professional degree or they can enter the job market," Marshall said.

Dimeshia Ward, a sophomore social work major from Smithfield, said she stayed in the program because she has a passion for social work.

 "Find a job that you love, and you will never work a day in your life," Ward said. "I truly believe social work is the job for me."

Seven out of all 10 HBCUs in North Carolina have full social work accreditation with CSWE.